In South Africa’s Northern Cape region the Tswana
language and culture play an important role in the lives
of all those involved in the table grape business. Along
with the influence of descendants of the Khoi people,
and with the influence of descendants of the region’s
European settlers, who along with descendants of the
Khoi people speak mostly Afrikaans, the Tswana’s
have helped created a colourful community.

At Rekopane Estate these contributions are recognised
and it is no wonder why the word Rekopane has become
the symbol of hope. ‘Rekopane’ means ‘we
are together’ or ‘we have come together.’
The meaning of the name of the Workers’ Trust
which gives 65 workers ownership in Rekopane Estates,
the Loretlhabetse Trust, which is also a Tswana word,
is ‘the sun has risen for us.’

Together is the inspiration for Rekopane’s people,
for the sun has literally risen for the farm workers
as they came together with grape grower Peu Bezuidenhout
in a unique new partnership.

Rekopane is one of the latest land transformation projects
which are supported by the Department of Land Affairs
through its LRAD funds. The estate also enjoys financial
support in the form of a loan from Standard Bank.

The workers receive their share through the Loretlhabetse
Trust. Rekopane is located in the heartland of the Northern
Cape grape growing region and lies on the banks of the
Orange River near Kanoneiland, west of Upington. It
started in 1979 with only six hectares and has grown
to 528 hectares, of which 212 hectares are planted with
table grapes.

Future expansion at Rekopane will include a further
68 hectares of the latest table grape cultivars, as
well as 60 hectares of citrus orchards. The first citrus
orchards were planted in November last year.